Drink Up The Gas Lamp
Nov 29, 2011 The Gas Lamp opened in the former Blues on Grand location (1501 Grand Avenue) in April of this year. We've been trying to stop in for awhile, but were never in the neighborhood when they were open. With a fabulous remodel inside and out, The Gas Lamp features live music weekly with acts ranging from blues to bluegrass, folk to alt country.
The space seems so much larger than it was when it was Blues on Grand. Large picture windows along Grand Avenue let in lots of natural light during the daytime hours and offer an excellent view of the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. It has a fun, funky sort of vintage vibe to it.
The seating is very cool - old doors have been transformed into tables!
The full bar offers a nice variety of beer on tap, plenty of additional bottled beer, and all of your favorite spirits. I found it quite refreshing that there isn't a flat screen in the place - no slack-jawed staring at the game, you'll actually have to speak to your friends here!
After a couple of our usual Miller Lite bottles, we ventured on to the micro brews on tap. I tried the Blonde Fatale from Peace Trew Brewing Co., a Belgian style Blond Ale. A little fruity, but you could really taste the hops.
Grant went with the seasonal brew from Shiner, Holiday Cheer. A nice deep amber color, it has a slightly sweet flavor with a malty, hoppy finish. Very tasty.
Our bartender, Dallas, was great. Friendly, quick to pour a sample, she was fun and nicely focused on service. We really enjoyed talking with her.
One thing I was happy to see is that The Gas Lamp has revived the old Blues on Grand Work Release party on Friday afternoons! Featuring those rockin' boys from Sumpin' Doo, a $4 cover gets you in the door at 4:30pm.
They also serve Farrell's Italian Beef sandwiches during weekday lunches - can't beat that!
And don't miss their 'Everybody Gets the Schlitz" hour everyday from 5:30 - 6:30pm with $1.50 Schlitz! Check their Facebook page for weekly specials and upcoming show dates.
If you find yourself on the downtown corner of 15th and Grand, make sure to stop in at The Gas Lamp. And try to support local music venues by catching a show here if you can!
The Gas Lamp
1501 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
Hours
11am - 2am Mon - Fri
2pm - 2am Sat - Sun
Event schedules, photos, and more information at www.gaslampdsm.com.
Reader Comments (2)
Vicki's Pour House it ain't. That's before your time.
Yep, didn't make it to Vicki's. But I do miss Evy's!